Dispensing machine chute



Aug. 6, 1940.

DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Aug. ll, l

L. D, DENNIS CHUTE 939 2 Sheets-Sheet l orne ys Patented Aug. 6, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application August 11,

1 Claim.

This invention appertains to new and useful improvements in dispensing apparatus and more particularly to a novel chute arrangement in which the articles to be dispensed can be stored. The present invention is a continuation in part of the chute structure divisible from my copending application Serial No. 256,352, filed February 14, 1939.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a chute structure for dispensing machines which can be readily assembled or disassembled when the chute is to be replenished with stock.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following specification.

In the drawings:

Figure l represents a vertical sectional View through the structure.

Figure 2 is a front elevational View of the chute structure.

Figure 3 is a vertical section on the line 3 3 of Figure l.

Figure 4 is a side elevational View showing sections of the chute separated.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen that numeral 5 represents a base from which rises the rear uprights 6, bridged by the bar l, just below the upper ends thereof. At the forward end of the base 5 are the inner uprights 8 and the outer uprights 9. Each set of inner and outer uprights 8 and 9 is connected by the wall or plate Il] and between these plates are mounted the check controlled dispensing mechanism generally referred to by numeral 50 and which forms the subject matter of my co-pending application Serial No. 256,352.

The upper ends of the uprights 8 are bridged by the bar II which supports the forward end portion of the chute section I2. The lower chute section I3 inclines from its lower discharge end I4 passing through the front of the shell I5 to the upwardly curved end wall I6. The side flanges Il of the chute section I3 merge with the side walls I8 extending forwardly from the back wall I6, and to the side walls I8 is pivotally secured the lower end of the chute I2. This pivotal connection consists of the cross pin I2a on the lower end of the chute I2 having its protruding end portion disposed into the slot I8a in the side walls I8 of the chute I3, these slots I8a extending downwardly from the upper edge portions of the side walls I8.

The forward end portion of the chute I2 is 1939, serial No. 289,670

formed with the upwardly curved wall 2| and at this point the flanges 2li merge with the side walls 22 extending rearwardly from the wall 2|. To the side walls 22 are pivotally secured as at 23 the uppermost chute section 24 which has its free end adapted to rest'y on the cross bar l of the uprights G, as when the machine is closed for operation, As shown in Figure 1, the lower end of the chute 24 has a cross pin 23 which Seats in slots 22a of the side walls 22 as in the manner of the pin I2a It can be seen that when the bottles have been dispensed to an extent that the last one is on the chute I3, then the upper chute sections 24 and I 2 can be conveniently removed from over the chute I3, of course, after the shell I5 has been displaced from the base 5. However, should the last bottle be on the second chute I2, then only the uppermost chute section 24 would be removed. In this way the supply of bottles can be replenished and built from one section to the other until the machine is completely charged.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, each chute section has a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs 3U along which the fat or large portion of a bottle can roll and a longitudinally extending rib 3| along one side wall against which the base of the bottle rides.

'I'he chutes are further provided adjacent the remaining side walls with longitudinally extending cleats, each having an upstanding flange 33 serving as a track for the neck portions of the bottles. Thus with the bottles riding on the cleats and ribs there is less friction to the free movement of the bottles down the inclines.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specific terms, it' is to be understood that numerous changes inthe shape, size and materials may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having described the claimed as new is:

In a dispensing apparatus, an article feed chute, said feed chute consisting of a pair of frames vertically disposed, one of said frames having a pair of cross members, the other frame having a third cross member, a bottom chute section having its upper end resting on one of the cross members of one frame, an intermediate chute section having its upper end resting on the said third cross member, and an upper chute section having its upper end resting upon the remaining cross member, the upper ends of the lower and intermediate chute sections being proinvention, what is vvided with elbow-like formations `for catching intermediate sections having pin members thereon projecting laterally beyond the sides of the corresponding sections for disposition detachablyv into the said recesses, said upper and intermediate sections being removable from the cross members and being swingable or removable at the said pin and recess connections.

LUTHER D. DENNS. 

